Keeping greenhouse temperatures below 35°C (95°F) is essential for ensuring optimal plant growth and avoiding a range of common greenhouse problems. Although greenhouses provide protection from cold weather, excess heat can do more harm than good. Here’s why managing your greenhouse temperature is so important—and how you can help your plants thrive!
1. Too Much Heat Can Overwhelm Your Plants
Most greenhouse plants thrive in temperatures between 25°C and 30°C (77°F - 86°F). For example, tomatoes, a common greenhouse crop, grow best in this temperature range, producing healthy leaves and vibrant fruit. However, once temperatures exceed 35°C, photosynthesis becomes less effective, leaves can turn yellow, and plants may even stop flowering altogether. When this happens, your tomato plants may struggle to produce fruit, resulting in lower yields and less vibrant harvests.
2. Water Loss Can Leave Plants “Thirsty”
Higher temperatures can cause plants to lose water faster than they can absorb it. As temperatures rise, plants transpire more rapidly, losing water from their leaves and soil. In a greenhouse that’s over 35°C, this can cause your plants, like peppers, to struggle as soil moisture evaporates quickly. Without enough water, leaves may start to curl, yellow, or even drop. In this case, your plants are left “thirsty,” and their growth and yield are both affected.
3. Trapped Heat Causes Stress
Greenhouses are designed to capture sunlight, but without sufficient ventilation, heat can quickly build up. Without shade or adequate airflow, temperatures can soar above 35°C, sometimes even reaching 40°C (104°F). Under such high temperatures, plant roots may struggle to get enough oxygen, while leaves can suffer from heat damage. For instance, cucumber and tomato crops exposed to high temperatures without proper airflow may experience root stress or even die due to the heat overload.
4. High Temperatures Disrupt the Greenhouse Ecosystem
A greenhouse isn’t just home to plants; it’s also an ecosystem with pollinators, beneficial insects, and helpful microorganisms. At high temperatures, essential pollinators like bees may become inactive, disrupting plant pollination. If the temperature in your greenhouse climbs above 35°C, bees may stop pollinating, which can reduce fruit set for crops like tomatoes and peppers. Without their help, many plants will struggle to produce the desired harvest.
2. Light Management: Blueberries need ample light for photosynthesis, but too strong light can damage the plants. In greenhouses, light intensity can be regulated using shade nets to ensure blueberries are not exposed to overly strong sunlight. Reflective films can also be used to increase light intensity, especially during winter when daylight hours are short.
3. Ventilation and Humidity Control: Ventilation and humidity control inside the greenhouse are equally important for blueberry growth. Proper ventilation can help lower the temperature inside the greenhouse, reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases, and maintain suitable humidity levels. During the blueberry growing season, the air relative humidity inside the greenhouse should be kept at 70%-75%, which is conducive to blueberry sprouting.
5. Excessive Energy Use and Rising Costs
When greenhouse temperatures remain high, cooling systems like fans and misters have to work overtime. Constant use of cooling equipment not only increases electricity bills but also risks overheating or damaging the equipment itself. For example, if your greenhouse consistently stays around 36°C in the summer, cooling systems may run non-stop, driving up your energy costs and risking breakdowns. Managing temperatures effectively can reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
6. The Ideal Temperature for Healthier, Happier Plants
Most greenhouse plants will grow optimally between 18°C and 30°C (64°F - 86°F). At these temperatures, plants like strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers can photosynthesize efficiently, leading to higher yields and better quality produce. By maintaining this ideal range, you can also lower the need for excessive cooling, reducing your energy costs while promoting healthier plant growth.
Keeping greenhouse temperatures below 35°C is crucial for your plants’ health and productivity. Excessive heat can interfere with photosynthesis, accelerate water loss, disrupt the greenhouse ecosystem, and increase energy costs. For the best results, aim to keep your greenhouse between 18°C and 30°C, which allows plants to thrive while minimizing unnecessary costs. Follow these tips to give your plants the best environment for growth!
#GreenhouseTips #PlantCare #GardeningSecrets #SustainableFarming #GreenhouseHacks
Email: info@cfgreenhouse.com
Phone: +86 13550100793
Post time: Nov-19-2024
